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  • Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway Near Longmont

    Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway Near Longmont

    Boulder County Public Works announces a temporary median closure on Niwot Road near the CO-119 Diagonal Highway intersection for utility infrastructure improvements. The closure will affect left turns from Niwot Road onto the Diagonal Highway for approximately six weeks. A signed detour route will be in place.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 19 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Safety data from the Lafayette area shows 27 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 20% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Resources

    The Lafayette Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,493 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience, or in person at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. Written comments received by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing will be included in the public record.

  • Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 — April 2025

    Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 — April 2025

    The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for the 2026 Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Program. Grants fund equipment, training, and trail safety improvements for volunteer search and rescue teams and trail patrol organizations operating in Boulder County.

    Transportation access remains a key concern. Boulder County’s Via mobility program provides door-to-door transit service for residents in Longmont and surrounding communities who cannot access fixed-route bus service. RTD routes B, J, and BOLT serve major corridors.

    Safety data from the Longmont area shows 18 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 6% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along SH-7 / Ute Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Area Agency on Aging, or in person at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. Written comments received by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing will be included in the public record.

    Volunteers contributed over 1,442 hours to this program last year. The Area Agency on Aging coordinates with 13 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Related Programs

    The Longmont Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 781 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter — August 2024

    Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter — August 2024

    The February edition of the Boulder County Resource Conservation newsletter features updates on the 2026 composting grant program, tips for reducing food waste at home, upcoming zero waste events, and a spotlight on local businesses achieving zero waste certification.

    A community information session will be held at the Gunbarrel library on Wednesday, May 6 at 5:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 35% of properties in the Gunbarrel area are within the wildland-urban interface. Free home assessments are available through the Wildfire Partners program, with rebates of up to $2,500 for mitigation improvements.

    Community Impact

    The Parks & Open Space processed over 4,175 applications last year, with an average processing time of 7 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Safety data from the Gunbarrel area shows 23 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 7% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Niwot Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

  • September: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026

    September: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026

    Boulder County’s Wildfire Partners program is accepting registrations for the 2026 community chipping season. Residents in the wildland-urban interface can have tree limbs, brush, and other woody debris chipped at no cost. Last year the program processed over 2,400 loads of material from 1,100 properties across the county.

    The Rabbit Mountain open space property encompasses 912 acres and features 8 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Residents in the Lyons area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sheriff’s Office at (303) 441-3071 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    What You Need to Know

    The application deadline is May 20, 2026. Late applications will be accepted on a space-available basis. Incomplete applications will be returned with a list of missing items. Average review time is 18 business days.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 8 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Details

    Volunteers contributed over 1,669 hours to this program last year. The Sheriff’s Office coordinates with 6 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    The Sheriff’s Office processed over 2,975 applications last year, with an average processing time of 16 business days. Staff are available at the Lyons office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  • Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events Near Fourmile Canyon

    Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events Near Fourmile Canyon

    The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office invites residents to participate in National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4. Community events will be held in neighborhoods throughout unincorporated Boulder County featuring safety demonstrations, K-9 unit appearances, crime prevention information, and family-friendly activities.

    Funding of $278,000 for this initiative comes from a combination of federal grants, state matching funds, and the Boulder County General Fund. The Board of County Commissioners approved the allocation during the 2024 budget session.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Community Planning & Permitting, or in person at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. Written comments received by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing will be included in the public record.

    Related Programs

    Water quality monitoring at 17 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Community Planning & Permitting publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $278,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Community Impact

    Volunteers contributed over 8,257 hours to this program last year. The Community Planning & Permitting coordinates with 19 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • March 2024: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14

    March 2024: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14

    The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for the 2026 Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Program. Grants fund equipment, training, and trail safety improvements for volunteer search and rescue teams and trail patrol organizations operating in Boulder County.

    Safety data from the Nederland area shows 9 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 20% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    The Hall Ranch open space property encompasses 1,958 acres and features 11 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Details

    Volunteers contributed over 9,983 hours to this program last year. The Parks & Open Space coordinates with 25 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Environmental review of the project area near CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway found 5 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Parks & Open Space worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

  • March 2026: All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions

    March 2026: All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions

    Boulder County Parks & Open Space has closed all trails and trailheads west of Highway 36 due to sustained winds exceeding 80 mph and extreme fire danger conditions. The closure includes all mountain parks, open space properties, and county trails in the foothills. Closures will be reassessed when wind conditions subside.

    A community information session will be held at the Lafayette library on Sunday, May 31 at 6:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

    For questions about this program, contact Brian Nakamura at Sheriff’s Office: (303) 441-7896 or email Sheriff’s [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Lafayette office without an appointment.

    Next Steps

    The program is modeled after similar successful initiatives in Larimer County and Jefferson County. Boulder County’s version includes additional provisions for wildfire mitigation, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.

    According to Brian Nakamura, director of Sheriff’s Office, this program served 35% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lafayette and the surrounding area,” Brian Nakamura said.

  • Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections Near Jamestown

    Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections Near Jamestown

    The Boulder County Board of Commissioners has issued a resolution reaffirming the county’s commitment to protecting immigrant community members and ensuring equal access to county services regardless of immigration status. The resolution directs county staff to review and strengthen existing policies.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 27% of properties in the Boulder area are within the wildland-urban interface. Free home assessments are available through the Wildfire Partners program, with rebates of up to $2,500 for mitigation improvements.

    Funding of $464,000 for this initiative comes from a combination of federal grants, state matching funds, and the Boulder County General Fund. The Board of County Commissioners approved the allocation during the 2024 budget session.

    Related Programs

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 12 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Environmental review of the project area near SH-119 Diagonal Highway found 9 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Planning & Permitting worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    What You Need to Know

    The program is modeled after similar successful initiatives in Larimer County and Jefferson County. Boulder County’s version includes additional provisions for wildfire mitigation, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 583 affordable housing units since its inception, with 250 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions — August 2026

    Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions — August 2026

    Boulder County is accepting applications for Youth Corps Team Leader positions for the 2026 season. Team Leaders supervise crews of young adults working on conservation projects including trail construction, habitat restoration, and wildfire fuel reduction across Boulder County open space properties. Positions start in May.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Public Works, or in person at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. Written comments received by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing will be included in the public record.

    Residents in the Lyons area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Public Works at (303) 441-1220 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Eligibility

    For questions about this program, contact David Thompson at Public Works: (303) 441-1220 or email Public [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Lyons office without an appointment.

    Colorado state law requires all counties to provide these services to eligible residents. Boulder County exceeds minimum state requirements by offering expanded hours, multilingual support, and online access. In 2024, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

    Background

    The application deadline is June 15, 2026. Late applications will be accepted on a space-available basis. Incomplete applications will be returned with a list of missing items. Average review time is 9 business days.

    The program is modeled after similar successful initiatives in Larimer County and Jefferson County. Boulder County’s version includes additional provisions for wildfire mitigation, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.

  • January: Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal

    January: Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal

    Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting has launched an updated online building permit portal with improved search functionality, real-time status tracking, and mobile-friendly document uploads. The new system reduces average permit review times by 15% and allows applicants to schedule inspections online.

    According to Sarah Mitchell, director of Area Agency on Aging, this program served 20% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Nederland and the surrounding area,” Sarah Mitchell said.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 20% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Details

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,197 affordable housing units since its inception, with 241 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 30% of properties in the Nederland area are within the wildland-urban interface. Free home assessments are available through the Wildfire Partners program, with rebates of up to $2,500 for mitigation improvements.